KEV HAS PRIDE DESPITE A FALL

SOUTHEND United's faint play-off hopes were ultimately taken out of their hands by FC Halifax Town but they failed to keep their side of the equation by going down to Rochdale at Roots Hall.

- Jason Creasey

Despite a 10-point deduction and a whole host of financial issues, the Shrimpers rallied to finish ninth in the table.

And Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher stressed this final-day defeat, in front of a near-8,000 crowd, should take nothing away from what his side have achieved this season.

"When we look back, it's 75 points we've accumulated," said Maher. "We would be in the play-offs and that's the main takeaway for me.

"Pre-season we couldn't train, we couldn't go to the toilet there or shower.